Next Gen Pizzerias

Pizzerias are among the oldest foreign eateries in the Netherlands, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing still. Quite the opposite. After a boom in wood-fired ‘authentic Italian’ pizzerias, the — not-so-very-Italian — next gen is now arriving. Three examples.

The Fat Pie

It’s no coincidence that this pizzeria has an American name and that same name appears in very bold letters on the awnings on the façade. The Fat Pie is as Italian as spaghetti and meatballs: with an American twist, that is. This means you can order pizzas topped with Philly cheesesteak, fried chicken, short rib, or pork shawarma from the spit. The starters, including very large meatballs and a burnt Caesar salad, are American-inspired too. Just like the gigantic beer list. Only the crust is Neapolitan. American pizzas were once a major no-no among foodies. Not anymore! Tip: order a whole pizza with a few friends, or order a slice for yourself. In terms of fat.

The Fat Pie, De Clercqstraat 79 Amsterdam.

Mastino vegan

More or less around the corner from The Fat Pie is the trendy counterpart to that rather meat-oriented establishment. Mastino has several pizzerias in the capital, but in this one everything is vegan — from the crust to the toppings. And not only that, all the pizzas are gluten-free as well. And still delicious. Very important. It does cost a little more than a regular pizza, but in return you get, for example, the Red Velvet with mixed salad, beetroot, avocado, walnuts and lemon oil. Or the Big 4 with tomato sauce, vegan cheese, vegan mozzarella, vegan brie and vegan smoked cheese. Quite a fat pie.

Mastino Vegan, Bilderdijkstraat 192Huis Amsterdam.

Papa John’s

Not exactly next gen in the States, but it is here. Because only recently did the hugely popular American pizza chain Papa John’s arrive in the Netherlands too. ‘Papa’ started thirty years ago in a cleared-out broom closet in Jefferson Ville, Indiana, and is now the third-largest pizza chain in America, with branches in 44 countries, including China. The American pizzas with their neat, sleek, rounded edges come in the American-style half-and-half option, for example: two different types on one pie. You can also create your own pizza. No inspiration? Then you can choose from options such as BBQ cheeseburger pizza (former president Bush’s favorite) or Papa’s tuna delight.

Papa John’s, various locations.

Image: among others, Marjan Ippel